Warren Buffett retires in 100 days, and reports say Apple could be the first giant to face the axe

Berkshire selling Apple Stock: Warren Buffett’s legendary run as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is nearing its end. With just 100 days left until his year-end retirement, attention is now shifting to his successor Greg Abel and to the fate of Berkshire’s most famous stock pick, Apple.

Warren Buffett Set to Retire in 100 Days

Buffett told shareholders back in May that he would step down at the end of 2025, endorsing Abel as the next CEO. That timeline is now ticking loudly: as of September 23, only 100 days remain. The handoff marks a historic transition for Berkshire, which has built its reputation on Buffett’s steady hand, record cash reserves, and a culture of patience.

Berkshire’s Massive Apple Stake Under Scrutiny

The biggest question isn’t just who replaces Buffett, it’s what happens to Berkshire’s $69.9 billion Apple stake, as per a report. Once Berkshire’s crown jewel, the holding has already been cut sharply. At the end of 2023, Berkshire’s Apple shares were valued at about $174.3 billion, but by late 2024, they had been more than halved, according to Fortune reporting, as Berkshire’s cash pile swelled to unprecedented levels.


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Why Apple Could Be the First Stock to Face Cuts

That selling streak has investors bracing for more. Apple may be the first giant to face the axe under Abel’s watch, with analysts flagging it as a prime candidate for further reductions alongside Bank of America.

Unlike Buffett’s buy-and-hold approach, Berkshire’s lieutenants Todd Combs and Ted Weschler have shown a willingness to buy and trim positions more actively, as per the report. They are expected to play a larger role in shaping the equity portfolio once Buffett steps aside. Fortune’s coverage suggests they could lean into healthcare stocks, where valuations look more attractive than in tech, finance, or consumer staples.

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Tax and Policy Uncertainty Driving Berkshire’s Strategy

Buffett first bought into Apple in 2016, when its shares traded at far lower valuations. Today, the stock sits at a premium, and Berkshire’s outsized position is increasingly seen as a concentration risk. Rising policy uncertainty, particularly around capital gains taxes, has also been linked to Berkshire’s recent Apple sales. That pressure may continue to influence the pace of future trims.

FAQs

When is Warren Buffett retiring?
At the end of 2025, with just 100 days left as of September 23, as per a Fortune report.

How much Apple stock does Berkshire still own?
By late 2024, the stake was worth about $69.9 billion, down from $174.3 billion in 2023.